Storage systems and methods
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A storage system comprising:
- a first set of parallel rails or tracks and a second set of parallel rails or tracks extending transverse to the first set in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern having a plurality of grid spaces;
a set of uprights, the uprights and tracks together defining a framework;
a plurality of storage containers arranged in stacks, located beneath the rails and within the framework;
at least one load handling device disposed on and above the rails or tracks, the at least one load handling device including a body mounted on wheels, a first set of wheels arranged to engage with two rails of the first set of parallel rails, a second set of wheels arranged to engage with two rails of the second set of rails, the first set of wheels being independently moveable and driveable with respect to the second set of wheels such that when in motion only one set of wheels is engaged with the tracks or rails at any one time thereby enabling movement of the load handling device along the rails to any point on the grid by driving only the set of wheels engaged with the tracks or rails, the at least one load handling device including a lifting device arranged to lift one or more containers, or parts thereof, from a stack;
wherein the framework includes a service means for providing services to the storage system and the containers located therein enabling interaction, control and monitoring of the system from within the framework.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out. The framework may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing, and data logging. The provision of these services within the framework rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.
49 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A storage system comprising:
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a first set of parallel rails or tracks and a second set of parallel rails or tracks extending transverse to the first set in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern having a plurality of grid spaces; a set of uprights, the uprights and tracks together defining a framework; a plurality of storage containers arranged in stacks, located beneath the rails and within the framework; at least one load handling device disposed on and above the rails or tracks, the at least one load handling device including a body mounted on wheels, a first set of wheels arranged to engage with two rails of the first set of parallel rails, a second set of wheels arranged to engage with two rails of the second set of rails, the first set of wheels being independently moveable and driveable with respect to the second set of wheels such that when in motion only one set of wheels is engaged with the tracks or rails at any one time thereby enabling movement of the load handling device along the rails to any point on the grid by driving only the set of wheels engaged with the tracks or rails, the at least one load handling device including a lifting device arranged to lift one or more containers, or parts thereof, from a stack; wherein the framework includes a service means for providing services to the storage system and the containers located therein enabling interaction, control and monitoring of the system from within the framework. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of condition monitoring a storage system including a first set of parallel rails or tracks and a second set of parallel rails or tracks extending transverse to the first set in a substantially horizontal plane to form a grid pattern having a plurality of grid spaces, a set of uprights, the uprights and tracks together defining a framework, a plurality of storage containers arranged in stacks, located beneath the rails and within the framework, at least one load handling device disposed on and above the rails or tracks, the at least one load handling device including a body mounted on wheels, a first set of wheels arranged to engage with two rails of the first set of parallel rails, a second set of wheels arranged to engage with two rails of the second set of rails, the first set of wheels being independently moveable and driveable with respect to the second set of wheels such that when in motion only one set of wheels is engaged with the tracks or rails at any one time thereby enabling movement of the load handling device along the rails to any point on the grid by driving only the set of wheels engaged with the tracks or rails, the at least one load handling device including a lifting device arranged to lift one or more containers, or parts thereof, from a stack, the method comprising:
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a. providing a sensor means and a data logging and storage means within the framework formed by first and second parallel rails or tracks and a set of uprights; b. providing a communication means to communicate data logged within the framework to a central data logging device; and c. monitoring the data received.
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Specification
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Current AssigneeOcado Innovation Limited (Ocado Group PLC)
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Original AssigneeOcado Innovation Limited (Ocado Group PLC)
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InventorsClarke, Paul, Lindbo, Lars Sverker Ture, Ingram-Tedd, Andrew John, Karolinczak, Pawel
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Primary Examiner(s)Cumbess, Yolanda R
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Application NumberUS15/555,841Publication NumberTime in Patent Office1,390 DaysField of SearchNoneUS Class CurrentCPC Class CodesA01G 31/06 Hydroponic culture on racks...A01G 9/022 Pots for vertical horticultureA01G 9/16 Dismountable or portable gr...A01G 9/18 Greenhouses for treating pl...A47L 7/0047 Furniture or stationary dev...A62C 2/247 electricA62C 3/002 for warehouses, storage are...A62C 35/68 Details, e.g. of pipes or v...A62C 99/0018 using gases or vapours that...B62D 33/02 Platforms; Open load compar...B62D 33/0207 Connections of movable or d...B65D 21/0212 Containers presenting local...B65G 1/0407 using stacker cranes constr...B65G 1/0464 with access from aboveB65G 1/0478 for matrix-arrangementsB65G 1/065 with self propelled carsB65G 1/137 with arrangements or automa...B65G 2207/22 Heat or fire protectionB65G 2207/40 Safety features of loads, e...B65G 57/03 from aboveView All
